What process involved blasting air through molten iron to produce high-quality steel?

The Bessemer process is a significant advancement in steel manufacturing that involves blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities and produce high-quality steel. This method, developed by Henry Bessemer in the mid-19th century, revolutionized steel production by making it faster and more efficient than previous techniques. By forcing air through the molten iron, the carbon content is reduced, resulting in a stronger and more durable material that became essential for the rapid industrialization of the United States during this period.

In contrast, the open-hearth process, while also used for steel production, involves melting iron in a furnace and typically utilizes a longer time frame to process the materials, making it less efficient than the Bessemer method. The electric arc furnace uses electric arcs to melt scrap steel and produces quality steel but is a more modern technique that emerged later in the 19th century. Continuous casting is a different process that follows solidification, allowing molten steel to be poured into molds to create semi-finished sections but does not involve the initial refinement of iron into steel.

Thus, the identification of the Bessemer process directly corresponds to its innovative approach to steel manufacturing, which significantly impacted industrial practices.